The Pink-eared Duck can be found throughout Australia, commonly in locations that are timbered and near water. This species of Duck prefers to reside in areas which are shallow, temporary waters and on occasion may venture into open wetlands if with a large flock; however, this species is highly dispersive and often nomadic. The special bill of this Duck is designed to enable the bird to catch their food. The bill is fringed with grooves which filter out microscopic plants and animals from the water which makes up the birds diet. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Pink-Eared Duck is named for the small pink spot of feathers which feature on the sides of the drake's head. Another name for this bird is Zebra Duck because of the striking bold black and white striped plumage which decorates the duck's neck, breast and stomach. The bill is spoon shaped and the eyes are made of dark coloured glass and surrounded by brown colouring. The bird has brown wings and light coloured legs with webbed toes. This particular specimen stands on a wooden square platform. There are signs of damage on the platform and a wooden identification tag is tied to the upper right leg of the bird.6a./ Pink-eyed Duck / See Catalogue, page 39 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pink-eyed duck, pink-eared duck

The Superb Lyrebird is a large ground-dwelling bird with powerful legs and long tail. Found in rainforest habitats in southeastern Australia, it forages in leaf litter for food. It has a very powerful song and is known for mimicking other species. The males have spectacular long tail comprising a variety of feather types, where juveniles and females lack the longer tail feathers. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This female Superb Lyrebird is primarily grey/brown. It has shorter tail feathers than the male, which are dark and light brown, and vary in size. The bird's wings, chest and belly are a lighter grey/brown, and there are hints of yellow-white in the edges of the feathers and through the bird's chest. The bird has strong legs and a small beak. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform.37a. / Lyrebird / See Catalogue, page [illegible] /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, superb lyrebird

The Long-eared owl is one of the most widely distributed and most numerous owl species in the world. It is a rather slim and long-winged bird with usually prominent erectile ear tufts, which are positioned closer to the center of the head than in many other types of owl. Long-eared owls prefer open landscapes with groups of trees, hedges or small woods, as well as pastureland with rows of trees and bushes, any type of forest with clearings, forest edges, semi-open taiga forest, swampy areas and bogs, orchards with old fruit trees, parks, even gardens and timbered areas in villages, towns or cities. In many parts of the world, Long-eared owls have even adapted to deserts, though more commonly semi-desert, and may nest and roost in available oases and hunt prey over the open desert ground. This particular specimen has been mounted in a correctly stylised fashion. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Long-Eared Owl is a rather slim, long-winged bird with prominent erectile ear tufts. The coloration of this Long-eared Owl is a hue of ochraceous-tawny with a brownish wash. The wings, back and chest are patterned and the facial disc is visibly well developed and light brown in colour. The ear tufts are dusky in front and darter tawny on the back. This Long-eared owl possesses a light-coloured bill and its eyes are yellowish-orange. The specimen stands upon a wooden platform. Swing tag: 33 / Virginian / Bee-boo Owl / Catalogue, page 52 / Other tag: No 19 / STRIX Virginian / N. America / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, owl, long-eared owl

The Snowy owl is a large and powerful bird. It is one of the largest species of owl, and in North America, it is on average the heaviest owl species. The adult male is virtually pure white, but females and young birds have some dark spots; the young are heavily barred, and dark spotting may even predominate. Thick plumage, heavily feathered taloned feet, and coloration render the Snowy owl well-adapted for life north of the Arctic Circle. This Snowy Owl example is slightly discoloured and in real life the Snowy Owl displays much more brilliant white feathers. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Snowy Owl adult male is virtually pure white with brown spot markings and a pale brownish wash. It has thick plumage and heavily feathered taloned feet. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing tag: [torn] snowy owl / See catalogue, page 54 / Metal tag: 4054 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, owl, snowy owl, arctic circle

The Common buzzard, a medium-sized raptor, is found across Europe and Asia, and in Africa in the winter months. It is the UK’s commonest bird of prey, found in nearly every county. Due to their large size and their brown color, they are often confused with other species, especially the Red kite and the Golden eagle. They may look the same from a distance, but the Common buzzard has a very distinctive call, like a cat’s mew, and a distinctive flying shape. When soaring and gliding, the tail is fanned and its wings are often held in a shallow 'V'. The colour of individuals varies from dark brown to much lighter, though they all have a finely barred tail and dark wingtips. This species occurs across Europe and Russia, and parts of Northern Africa and Asia in the cooler winter months. It lives in a range of habitats, especially woodland, moorland, pasture, scrub, arable land, marsh bog, villages, and sometimes towns and cities. This particular specimen has been mounted in a correct stylised fashion. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Common Buzzard is brown in colour with lighter markings on the chest. It has a white patch of feathers on the back of its head and it has darker wingtips and yellow feet. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing tag: 30 / Buzzard / Catalogue page 52. / Metal tag: 4043 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, common buzzard, bird of prey

The Little Pied Cormorant is commonly seen in Australia's wetlands. These birds reside amongst large flocks in locations where fish is plentiful. On the occasion that this bird is seen on inland streams and dams they will be solitary. This particular species willingly mixes with similar sized birds including the Little Black Cormorant. They feed on aquatic animals ranging from insects and yabbies and are labelled as benthic feeders because they find their prey on the seafloor. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Little Pied Cormorant specimen is a small bird with white and black colouring. The back of the head, neck, wings and tail are black while the undersides are a creamy white. The feet are webbed and are also dark in colouring. The bird has pale glass eyes and a medium sized bill and a long tail. This specimen is styled to look over it's left wing with its long neck bent to look in that direction. It stands on a wooden mount with a paper identification tag attached to the bird's right foot. The mount has the number 152 written on the wood.Swing tag: 21a. / Pied Cormorant / Catalogue page 41 / Mount: 152 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, cormorant, little piet cormorant, waterbird

The Little Black Cormorant is mainly found in freshwater wetlands in Australia and Tasmania. It nests colonially and can sometimes be seen among Heron or Ibis colonies. This specimen has dark webbed feet which enable the bird to catch its prey underwater by diving and using the feet for propulsion. Interestingly, this species have nictitating membranes which cover the eyes underwater protecting them. The feathers of this species are not waterproof despite being commonly located in wetlands and therefore, can often be seen perched with wings outstretched in an effort to dry them after hunting for food in the water. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Little Black Cormorant is a slim and small specimen of entirely black colouring with some lighter specks on the back. The bill is grey and is slender and hooked at the tip. The bird has been stylized with glass eyes and is placed on a wooden mount designed to look like a perch. The neck is long and the bird is looking over its right wing. It has dark webbed feet and is standing on the platform with a paper identification tag tied the right leg. 12a. /Little Pied Cormorant / See Catalogue Page 42 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, tasmania, australia, birds of australia, cormorant, little black cormorant, wetlands

The Sooty Albatross can be located on islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. It is a colonial bird with colonies consisting of 50 to 60 pairs of birds. These birds will build nests on cliffs and steep slopes. The diet of the Sooty Albatross includes squid, crustaceans, cephalopods, fish and carrion. They are considered an endangered species by the IUCN with a population shrinkage of over 75% over the last 90 years. In the 21st century, the population of this Albatross has seen stability on Gough Island. Interestingly, this species have several features which make them unique. They have nasal passages attached to their upper bill called naricorns and can produce a stomach oil which is stored by the bird and used against predators as well as being food for their chicks. These birds also have a salt gland which helps desalinate their bodies after residing in salt water. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Sooty Albatross specimen is of medium size and mainly a sooty-brown plumage. The colouring around the sides of the head and the base of the tail is dark. It has a dark bill which is medium in size and has been stylized with glass eyes by the taxidermist. The tail is a wide diamond-shape and the feet are webbed. This specimen has been placed on a wooden mount and has a small paper identification tag tied to its right leg.Sooty Albatross / 13D / Catalogue Page 49 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, hawk-owl, europe, atlantic ocean, indian ocean, albatross, sooty albatross, endangered species

This specimen was recovered from Sedgwick, VIC. Spotted slate is a fine-grained porphyroblastic metamorphic rock with a number of compounds including muscovite, quartz, graphite with cordierite poikiloblasts and more. The cordierite poikiloblasts are rounded crystals that size up to 2.5 mm. the growth of these crystals is in response to metamorphism of low to medium intensity. The town Sedgwick was named after British geologist Adam Sedgwick This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid rectangular hand-sized spotted slate specimen in a shade of light grey with darker flecks throughout Spotted Slate / Locality: Sedgwick Victoria | This is an early specimen / from the Quarter sheet / map. See sample 62 / page 18. Described as 'Spotted Slate' but these / days we would call it spotted hornfels / C. William 15/4/21 slate, spotted slate, victoria, beechworth, burke museum, geological specimen, mineralogy, sedgwick, sedgwick victoria, spotted slate specimen

The Red-Necked Grebe is a medium sized bird with a long neck and pointed bill. During the non-breeding months, this bird has grey, white and brown plumage. During the breeding seasons, the Red-necked Grebe has a rusty red coloured fore-neck and breast with a black bill and white cheeks. This species can be located in freshwater lakes of the northern hemisphere. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.A Red-Necked Grebe of medium size stylised in a standing position with the face positioned forward. The bird stands on a wooden pedestal with two tags around its legs. One tag is paper and documents cataloguing information and the second is metal and lists the number 4403. This Red-Necked Grebe has pale feathers of white, grey and browns typical of this species in the non-breeding months. The face is positioned towards the front and the small eyes are made from dark glass.On metal tag 4403. On paper tag "32. Red-Necked Grebe.Catalogue, page, 43"taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, red-necked grebe

The Red-Necked Grebe is a medium sized bird with a long neck and pointed bill. During the non-breeding months, this bird has grey, white and brown plumage. During the breeding seasons, the Red-necked Grebe has a rusty red coloured fore-neck and breast with a black bill and white cheeks. This species can be located in freshwater lakes of the northern hemisphere. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.A Red-Necked Grebe of medium size stylised in a standing position with the face positioned forward. The bird stands on a wooden pedestal with two tags around its legs. One tag is paper and documents cataloguing information and the second is metal and lists the number 4492. This Red-Necked Grebe has pale feathers of white, grey and browns typical of this species in the non-breeding months. The face is positioned towards the front and the small eyes are made from dark glass.Paper tag: 32a Red-necked Grebe Catalogue, Page, 43. Metal tag: 4492taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, red-necked grebe

The Masked Lapwing is a grown-dwelling bird with distinctive large yellow wattles that hang from the sides of its face. The bird has white feathers with black and brown markings. This particular Masked Lapwing has black decorating its hind neck on the sides of the breast which reveal this specimen to be a southern subspecies. The Masked Lapwing appears throughout Australia and is also common in Indonesia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and New Zealand. The Masked Lapwing is known to be fearlessly defendant of its nest and will dive at people who intrude. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Masked Lapwing is standing on a wooden platform. Its wings are slightly elevated and head is turned towards right wing in a slight decline. The stomach feathers are mostly white and the wings are brown. Black feathers decorate the top of the head, the hind neck and the sides of the breast. The bird has tall legs and long yellow wattles covering its face. The small eyes are made from glass.2... Plover See Catalogue, page, 32.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, masked lapwing, plover

This large, leather bound journal was made for the Public Library and Burke Museum in Beechworth by book manufacturer, William Detmold in 1875. It was commissioned by the President of the Library and Burke Museum committee, Dr Antoine Mousse, for the purpose of cataloguing all the items in the collection. The cataloguer was the curator at that time, William Morton, whose hand-writing appears in the journal today. When William Morton first started recording in this journal in 1875, there were already a number of existing items in the institution. The Public Library and Burke Museum in Beechworth had actually been operating since the 1850s; first as a Young Men’s Association in 1856, then as Beechworth Athenaeum in 1858, then as the Beechworth Public Library in 1860. Then in 1861 when news of the death of Beechworth’s former police superintended, Robert O’Hara Burke, reached the town, it was agreed that the Public Library would also become a museum to tribute his legacy, renaming it as the ‘Public Library and Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum, Beechworth’. Many of the items from the early institutions would have been used to form the nucleus of this new organisation. Plus, the additional items that were either collected or donated to develop it into a museum. The catalogue is extensive. There are exactly 461 pages of recorded items, each page detailing the various collections the museum acquired in the late 19th century. Collections recorded in this catalogue include a large collection of geological specimens, that were given to the museum in 1868 by the Geological Survey Department of Victoria. A large collection of taxidermy mounts, that were given to the museum as skins by the Museum of Australia in 1865. An extensive collection of Aboriginal artefacts that were purchased from amateur anthropologist R. E . Johns in 1868. As well as artworks, charts, photographs, machinery, maps etc., all of which have been held in the museum since. This catalogue also details the governance and management of the organisation. There were originally 30 rules that governed the actions for the management committee and, while anyone could read in the free library, only subscribers could borrow two books and one periodical. At first, subscriptions rates were 7/6 a quarter. This was later changed to £1 per annum, paid quarterly in advance. This was a considerable amount; 7/6 per quarter meant that the annual fee was £1.10. This was equivalent to about £650.00 or about $1,182.00AUD today, while the reduced subscription fee of £1 a year was the equivalent to £450.00 or about $818.00AUD today. Membership of the athenaeum would have been the reserve of the town's notable citizens. The vale of the catalogue lies not only in its historical connect with the establishment of the Athenaeum and the current museum, but also in its record of the names and positions of all members of the institution's committees of management from 1875-1876. This is a unique object that contains important records for a notable country town. Large brown leather bound book made in 1875 for the Beechworth library and museum by William Detmond. Inside is a comprehensive and detailed itemised listing of the paintings, drawings, charts, photographs, specimens and books that entered the institution from 1850 -1882. non-fictionCover: RULES / CATALOGUE OF BOOKS / INVENTORY OF PICTURES, DRAWINGS, / MAPS, CHARTS, FURNITURE, SPECIMENS / OF THE / PUBLIC LIBRARY AND BURKE MUSEUM / BEECHWORTHburke museum, beechworth, catalogue, museum catalogue, 1875, william morton, william detmold, exposition universelle, ferdinand von mueller, public library, collection, book, leather bound, restored, digitised, robert o'hara burke, hand-written

This particular Musk Duck is a female specimen. This is ascertained through the lack of a large bulbous lobe of skin hanging under the bill. This particular duck has a much smaller lobe on the underside of its bill which is only visible when close. The name Musk Duck comes from the strong musk odour produced from a gland on the rump of the bird. These ducks are found only in Australia, in south-western and south-eastern mainland and in Tasmania. They prefer to reside in locations which have deep water and plenty of aquatic vegetation. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.A large duck with a sooty-brown plumage and paler brown colouring on the stomach and areas of the neck. This bird stands with its head turned to look over its right shoulder. The eyes are made of brown coloured glass. The legs on the Musk Duck are positioned towards the far back of the stocky body and the feet are webbed. This enables the duck to swim but provides a clumsy gait. The bill of this Musk Duck is dark grey and the tail feathers are positioned in a fan-shape.Paper tag reading "9a Musk Duck. See Catalogue, page, 39."taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, duck, musk duck, aquatic, biziura lobata

This particular Musk Duck is a male specimen. This is ascertained through the inclusion of a large bulbous lobe of skin hanging under the bill. The name Musk Duck comes from the strong musk odour produced from a gland on the rump of the bird. These ducks are found only in Australia, in south-western and south-eastern mainland and in Tasmania. They prefer to reside in locations which have deep water and plenty of aquatic vegetation. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.A male Musk Duck with a wide, heavy body covered in dark grey-brown plumage. This specimen has a broad and triangular shaped bill with a large lobe hanging from beneath the bill which helps identify this particular duck as male. The duck has glass eyes which are a dark brown colour. The legs on the Musk Duck are positioned towards the far back of the stocky body and the feet are webbed. This enables the duck to swim but provides a clumsy gait."8a Musk Duck. See Catalogue, page, 39."taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, duck, musk duck, aquatic, biziura lobata

The Grey Petrel is commonly seen around New Zealand and rarely around mainland Australia. They are large birds with a grey-white-brown colouring who fly just above the water and are often solitary. They mainly eat squid and fish which they catch by shallow diving. Their scientific name, Procellaria cinerea, is derived from Saint Peter and the story of his walking on water. The Grey Petrel can appear to run on water as they prepare to take off. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Grey Petrel is a large bird with a grey and cream coloured plumage. It has short legs with webbed feet and a stout bill. The specimen stands on a wooden pedestal with a paper tag tied around its right leg. The eyes are small and made of a dark coloured glass.15a Great Grey Petrel - Catalogue, page 40.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, grey petrel

Diamond Doves reside in Oceania and Northern America. They are often seen gathering in small groups and foraging on the ground near a source of water. Diamond Doves are granivores. Their diet includes seeds of herbs and grasses. The sound made by the dove is a slow "coo" often repeated twice. These birds are renowned for their ability to find their way home over large distances which has resulted in the use of these birds as messengers throughout history. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Diamond Dove is a small pigeon with red rings around their eyes. It stands on a wooden perch with an identification tag tied around one leg. The upper part of the body is a brown grey and the belly of the dove is a cream colour. This bird has distinctive white spots on the wings. This particular specimen is a grey coloured Diamond Dove. Other colourings for this species are white, brown, yellow, red, cinnamon and pied.2b Little Turtle Dove. See Catalogue, page 30.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, dove, little turtle dove, diamond dove

The Australasian Grebe is a small duck-like bird with a hyperactive nature. These birds reside in small, shallow, freshwater lakes and ponds, small waterways or sheltered caves and bays. They can be found throughout Australia and the Pacific region and New Zealand. The Australasian Grebe eat mainly small freshwater fish, crayfish, shellfish and leeches which they catch by diving underwater. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Australasian Grebe is in a standing position on a wooden platform with identification tags tied to the right leg. It has dark glass eyes and pale grey bill and legs. The plumage of this specimen consists of dark greys and browns on the rear with lighter colours on the underside. These colours align with those of the non-breeding season. This species has rufous red colouring on the chest and neck and darker colouring on the head during the breeding season. Paper tag: "34a Dabchick Catalogue, page, 64" Metal Tag: "4496"taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, grebe, australasian grebe, dabchick

The Australaisn Bittern is a partly nocturnal bird who resides in costal and sub-coastal locations in south-west mainland Australia, south east Australia and Tasmania. They can be found in wetlands, swamps and among reeds. These birds are mostly brown and yellow in colour and with short legs and a stocky body. The "woomph" sound made by the Bittern late at night is thought to have been the origin of the traditional Aboriginal myth of the Bunyip. The Bunyip, like the Australasian Bittern, was believed to reside in reedy swamps. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Australaisn Bittern is a stocky bird with mainly yellow and brown colouring. This colouring makes the bird difficult to see in the dense, reedy vegetation where it resides amongst the shallow freshwater wetlands. When threatened, the Australaisn Bittern will raise it's bill skyward in a pose which helps it to camouflage. This specimen has streaked yellow-brown feathers, a yellow bill and legs which are a yellow-green colour. It stands on a wooden platform.Paper tag: ...Bittern... [Catalogu]e, page 3...taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, bunyip, myths, australaisn bittern, bittern

The Australian White Ibis is commonly known by the colloquial names "bin chicken" and "tip turkey" in Australian culture. These nicknames have arisen based on the presence of this bird at garbage locations where it is often seen rummaging through the waste. The Yindjibarndi people of the central and western Pilbara call this species mardungurra. This bird is located throughout the wetlands of eastern, northern and south-western Australia. Initially, it was not seen in urban areas, however, the species has been able to adapt and reduce fear of humans due to the lure of food found in human garbage. They commonly feed on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates alongside human scraps. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Australian White Ibis has white and cream plumage on its body and a black neck, head, bill and legs/feet. The bill on this particular species has a distinctive long shape which is down-curved. It is a fairly large variety of the Ibis species. This specimen has been stylised in a standing position and is positioned on a wooden platform. 5 C. / White Ibis / See catalogue / Page 32 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, ibis, bin chicken, white ibis, australian birds, australian white ibis

The White-necked Heron (also known as the Pacific Heron) is commonly found throughout mainland Australia. It resides mainly in locations with freshwater and in tidal areas. These birds are carnivores and mainly eat fish, crustaceans, amphibians and insects. They are also known to feed on young freshwater rats, young ducklings and lizards. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The White-Necked Heron has been stylised in a standing position on a wooden platform. The bird has long black legs and a long white neck with black spots decorating the front of the neck. The head is also white and the bill black. The front torso of the bird is cream mixed with brown plumage and the back. The rear and wings are a dark brown. [illegible] Heron / See Catalogue, page 33. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, white-necked heron, heron, pacific heron

The White-faced Heron is a common bird located throughout Australasia, including New Guinea, Torres Strait, Indonesia and New Zealand. It can be found in all parts of Australia with the exception of areas which are too dry. The White-faced heron typically resides in wetland habitats including reefs, rock pools, swamps and rivers. They feed on small aquatic animals. These birds get their name from their characteristic white face which contrasts to the ashen grey plumage of their bodies. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The White Faced Heron is stylised in a standing position on a wooden platform, looking forward. The bird has small brown glass eyes in place of the original. The Heron has long dark legs and is mostly covered in grey-brown plumage. Around the face, the plumage is a cream colour. The bill is black. This particular specimen has a paper identification tag tied around its left leg.....[missing] Heron / ....[missing] page 34. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, heron, white faced heron

The Australasian Shoveler is a species of duck that can be commonly found in heavily vegetated swamps in southwestern and southeastern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. The species, Australasian Shoveler, is aptly named after their large shovel-shaped bill. These birds use these large bills which are equipped with fine hair-like components which strain the water and mud for food including tiny creatures including insects, crustaceans and seeds while it swims. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Australasian Shoveler is a species of low-floating duck with a dark head and brown plumage. The rear of this specimen is a dark brown, with mixed white and brown colouring on the upper torso. The underparts of this bird are brown and orange. The specimen has glass eyes made in an amber colour. The Shoveler is standing on a wooden platform which is labelled number 136. Amongst the feathers on the wings, this bird has a green coloured feather. The legs of the Shoveler would have once been a bright orange; however, the legs of this specimen have darkened in colour throughout the taxidermy process. This bird has a large bill shaped like a shovel from which the name "Shoveler" has been derived.5a. / Australian Shoveller / See Catalogue, page 38. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, heron, duck, australaisian shovelor, shovelor

The Ring Ouzel is a member of the Thrush family, Turdis, of which there are about 85 different species, commonly located in Europe. They are found in upland Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. This species is identified by their dark colouring which contrasts to the white crescent across the breast and the white edging on the wings and some body feathers which provides a scale-like appearance. The diet of this species consists of invertebrates, some small vertebrates and a wide range of fruit. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Ring Ouzel specimen is stylised perched on a wooden platform. It is a medium sized bird of the thrush family. This particular specimen is a brown colour with pale edging to the wing feathers rather than the plumage being a darker black which can help identify this bird as female. The feathers have a white edging on the stomach giving this bird a scaly appearance. The bird has a small dark bill, two glass eyes, black legs and a long tail. Around the front of the upper breast, the bird has a striking white crescent shaped band. "Label 1 110a. / Ring Thrush / Catalogue Page 29 / Lable 2 Furdus torquaters / [illegible] 10 OCT. 1859 / near Leiden /"taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, european birds, ring ouzel, blackbird, ouzel

The Pacific Black Duck is also known as the Grey Duck in New Zealand. Despite these names, the plumage of the bird is brown in colour with the occasional cream and small amount of black. This species of Duck is located in all of Australia with the exception of the most arid zones. They can also be found throughout the Pacific region. The Pacific Black Duck resides in a range of different habitats that have some sort of water. These birds feed on aquatic plants, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects. To catch their food, these birds plunge their heads and necks under the water with their rear raising above the top of the water. This technique is termed "dabbing". This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Despite its name, the Black Duck is largely brown in colouring. It has a mixture of light brown and cream plumage on the neck, face and stomach. The wings and rear of the duck are a darker brown. Each brown feather is bordered with a cream colour which separates the feathers from each other. The top of the head is also dark brown and there is a darker stripe of black colour horizontally on either side of the eye. The specimen has two brown and black glass eyes and a black bill. The legs and webbed feet are a dark brown and black colour. Tied around the left leg is a paper identification tag. The number 134 is inscribed on the left side of the wooden platform on which the bird is standing. This specimen is stocky.3a. / Australian Wild Duck / See Catalogue, Page 38. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pacific black duck, grey duck, australian duck

Interestingly, the name "Hardhead" does not refer to the density of this species skull. Instead, it refers to the difficulty encountered by early taxidermies in styling the bird's head. This particular breed of Duck is smaller than average and are often found in the coastal regions of Australia. They are also known to reside in New Guinea, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This species was formerly known as the 'White-eyed Duck"; however, since the female Hardhead have dark eyes, this species was renamed the "Hardhead" Duck. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Hardhead specimen is a stocky medium-sized duck with chocolate brown colouring. The bird has paler white/ cream coloured plumage on the stomach and neck. The bill is a grey black colour and the eyes are made of a grey glass with a black pupil. The lighter brown colour of this specimen's head could refer to its identification as female or could be due to the taxidermy process or the impact of age on the colouring of the specimen. Female Hardheads have brown eyes, while the male have strikingly pale white/grey eyes. The bird has large webbed feet which are attached to the wooden platform it stands upon. The platform is inscribed on the left with the number 138.7a. / White-eyed Duck / See Catalogue, Page 39. / 138 on the wooden platformtaxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, heron, duck, australaisian shovelor, shovelor

The Buff-banded Rail is located on mainland Australia. It can also be found in south-east Asia, New Guinea and New Zealand. These birds are often seen individually or in pairs walking through the dense reeds and vegetations of wetlands or crops. This rail has a slow walk and often flicks its tail, which is raised, as they move. They are omnivore scavengers who feed on a large variety of invertebrates, fruit, seeds and vegetables. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is in a standing position on a wooden platform. The Buff-Branded Rail has a pale grey/yellow eyebrow over the orange glass eyes and a pale grey bill. It also has an orange and brown coloured band on its breast. This bird is multicoloured with streaks of chestnut brown, black, white and a faint orange-brown. This specimen has a paper identification tag tied to its left leg.29 c. / (22c)? Spotted Water Crake / See Catalogue, page, 35. / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, landrail, buff-banded rail

The Satin Flycatcher is a small and energetic bird commonly found along the east coast of Australia from far northern Queensland to Tasmania. They are also located in south-eastern South Australia and New Guinea. These birds prefer to reside in tall forests and are fond of wetter habitats like forested gullies but not rainforests. These birds are dimorphic, meaning male and females have distinct forms. The male Satin Flycatcher is blue-black in colouring while the female are brown-grey with a distinct orange band on the chin, neck and breast. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This female Satin Flycatcher is stylised on a wooden platform with a paper tag attached to its leg. This specimen has small glass eyes, wings positioned to its sides and a long straight tail. The colouring on this bird is a brown-grey and cream colour. It has patch of orange feathers on the neck and chin which identify the gender of this specimen. The male has glossy blue-black colouring and lack the orange plumage.33A. / Shining Flycatcher - See Catalogue, Page 13. / 50 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, satin flycatcher, small bird, flycatcher

The Latham's Snipe is the largest of the Snipe species in Australia. This species do not breed in Australia. They breed in Japan and on the east Asian mainland and migrate to south East of Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. They are commonly found in small groups in freshwater wetlands or along the coast in areas with dense cover. These birds use their colouring to help them camouflage with the terrain which makes them very difficult to see. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Latham's Snipe has a distinctive long and straight bill with brown and cream coloured plumage. The colouring of this bird enables it to camouflage well with the terrain. The wings and tail are short. This specimen has been stylised on a wooden platform and has a paper identification tag tied to its left leg. it also has small brown glass beads for eyes. The eyes are set back on the head which is a rounded shape.26c. / Indian Snipe - / Catalogue. page, 36. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, latham's snipe, snipe, japanese snipe, migrating bird, tasmania, new guinea

The Buff-banded Rail is located on mainland Australia. It can also be found in south-east Asia, New Guinea and New Zealand. These birds are often seen individually or in pairs walking through the dense reeds and vegetations of wetlands or crops. This rail has a slow walk and often flicks its tail, which is raised, as they move. They are omnivore scavengers who feed on a large variety of invertebrates, fruit, seeds and vegetables. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is in a standing position with its neck stretched forwards on a wooden platform. The Buff-Branded Rail has a pale grey/yellow eyebrow over the orange glass eyes and a pale grey bill. It also has an orange and brown coloured band on its breast. This bird is multicoloured with streaks of chestnut brown, black, white and a faint orange-brown. This specimen has a paper identification tag tied to its left leg.20D. / Land Raid / See Catalogue, page, 35. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, landrail, buff-banded rail